Alex had truthfully been surprised by where she was sorted. Her father had never attended school, being a bit too free spirited to learn in a traditional environment. However, on the other end of the spectrum her mother had been a Slytherin, a trait common to pure bloods back in her day. Alex had heard whispers among the students, saying the hat didn't discriminate based on what your parents were or were not. 

Regardless Alex walked over to the Hufflepuff table, full of pride. Before she even sat down the older students began cheering and clapping for her, glad to have new students in their house. One of the students even moved over on the bench, giving Alex a space to sit down. Alex, friendly as ever, took her seat with a wide grin. 

The excited girl listened to Professor McGonagall as she began the opening ceremonies. She spoke of the War, something that Alex was well informed on. Her mother had to leave their home next year to meet up with other Witches of her caliber. And her father was always grumbling and ranting to Alex about how unfortunate and pointless the whole battle was. 

Alex's attention returned as Professor McGonagall began to reiterate the rules. The no spell casting in the halls rule, she didn't see herself following too well. As well as the Forbidden Forest rule. Calling the forest forbidden just made Alex want to explore it even more. 

What Alex hadn't expected was the sudden uproar of chants at the ban of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes joke shop items. Students all around Alex began to stand up on their seats, clearly unset at this. Alex remained quiet, maybe unaware of the weight this decision carried in the students, and was relieved at how Professor McGonagall handled the situation. 

The air in the room seemed rather tense, that was until the food arrived. Alex happily began to feast, laughing and talking along with the other Hufflepuffs around her. It was amazing how suddenly the young girl was able to make friends and joke with them as if they had known each other for years.